What is the best non-SLR dfigital camera for travel in your opinion? I prefer non-SLR because I prefer a lightweight camera that might fit into a shirt pocket (even if no room is left for anythng else), si I'd actually have it with me all the time. Other than that, it should be as capable as possible, for dealing with all kind of situations that arise in travel.

The Wall Street Journal had an article on this today: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117866381974196399.html?mod=mostpop

I'm going to move this into the new "travel photography forum". Thanks!

I'd recommend having a look around the forums (and at the reviews) of dpreview. My personal opinion:

i) If you want pocketable, any of the little Canons (Called Ixus in Europe and, I think, Elph in the US???). For travel type photography, opt for a wide (well, wider) angle 28mm model. IMO, you can't go wrong with Canon.

ii) If you think you'd like a longer zoom range then the Panasonic TZ3 (just about shirt pocketable but lacks manual controls).

iii) And if you think Video is important, the new Canon TX1 (jury is out on the still image quality on this one, if that matters to you).

I'm in the market for the same thing. I'm also looking at pictures that people take on flickr and then deciding if I like their cameras. Sounds odd, but it works for me.

I am leaning towards the elph s80 with stabilization myself.

One thing to consider is what kind of battery the camera uses. I like Canons because they (generally) run on plain AA batteries, which can usually be found anywhere in the world. Using a camera that requires a proprietary battery (and/or charger) makes little sense if you are going to be traveling abroad, for a long time, and/or want to travel light.

I bought a Canon Powershot A710IS (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a710-review/) recently for travel. I specifically chose that model because it used AA batteries. I bring 4 NiMH AAs with a charger so I can avoid the need to buy expensive proprietary batteries when they fail while I'm on a trip. I've had that happen and it's just not fun.

It's not exactly a shirt-pocket sized camera but it is also more capable than a shirt-pocket sized camera with good optical + digital zoom, an optical viewfinder and plenty of automatic settings. I haven't gotten as far as fiddling with the manual settings but that's next.

Sony H-1 is nice. It won't fit in your pocket, but it does run with AA's, and there are just enough options to let you play, but not so many that you get annoyed. Great photos everytime.

Some great ideas here.

I'm also in the market for a smaller camera for travel, but it does not have to be shirt pocket sized. I would like it to be at least water resistant. It's for my use.. Hubby2e has his own Nikon everything (d70, I think).

I like his camera and he offered to give it to me so he can get a better one (yeah, like I'm going to fall for that one) :) but it's just a bit too big and delicate for me.

Ideas?

I've recommended this site on other threads, but here it is again. This is dpreview.com's buying guide tool that lets you pick camera feature and comes up with recommendations based on your specs. (the site has their own and readers' camera reviews, too.)

As a side note, I do believe that image stabilization is a very worthwhile feature; at this point I wouldn't buy a P&S without one.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

Many thanks. I've bookmarked the site.

Has anybody used the Ricoh Caplio R5 or R6? I'm intrigued by the 28-200mm optical lens and the small size.

My personal picks:

The Nikon s7c: being able to upload my photos at a T-mobile hotspot is awesome, of course this only works in the US; outside the US you can only really do this on open hotspots. Drawback is that WiFi is pretty slow...

The Panasonic DMC-FX07: great image stableization, decent wide angle zoom and SDHC support (so it works with my 8Gb SD cards)

I'm STILL waiting on my TX1 so can't comment on that.

Between my Nikon and 2 Panasonics (I've also got an FZ7) I'm very content, and quality is perfect.

Thanks.

I went to the site mentioned, and there aren't any water resistant options.

Do they make them? I'm beginning to think there may be a few, but they might not be as good a choice as those mentioned above.

Thanks.

I went to the site mentioned, and there aren't any water resistant options.

Do they make them? I'm beginning to think there may be a few, but they might not be as good a choice as those mentioned above.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1287

I've played with that one and was very impressed.

THAT'S IT - the perfect camera for me..

Shockproof. Waterproof. Freezeproof. Crushproof.

In other words... Mary abuse proof...

My major criterion for a camera is that it is small and durable, so I can carry it everywhere. I figure that an OK picture I did take is better than a great one I didn't because I didn't feel like lugging a big camera around.

I have a Canon Powershot SD10 (the current version of this camera is the SD40), which fits comfortably in my jeans pockets. It has been around the world and has worked flawlessly since 2004. I like that its case is made of metal. The only drawback I can think of is the lack of image stabilization a la Panasonic Lumix, which I hear is nice but never tried myself.

THAT'S IT - the perfect camera for me..

Shockproof. Waterproof. Freezeproof. Crushproof.

In other words... Mary abuse proof...

Costco has a nice bundle of the previous model (pretty much the same specs) with a free silicone case, free xD card and a free floating protection thingy. I think it sells for $299.

As usual, in store only...

Thanks again. I'll go take a look this weekend.. I already checked online and I didn't see any reasonably priced models.

Great link for comparison! When I put in my specs desired, it came up with Panasonic(FZ's and Canon S3,S1) but none of these seem to have facial recognition-is that a brand new technology?

Having the equivalent of an SLR's 28 mm focal length can make a huge difference with travel shots including street scenes, building interiors, and landscapes. In spite of having a very good SLR I still find myself travelling with an (out of production) Canon S80 that offers true wide angle, digic 2, 8 megapixels, and extensive manual control.

Another feature I consider essential is an optical viewfinder for situations when it is too bright to compose on the lcd monitor.

If you include true wide angle, decent resolution, and an optical viewfinder in your criteria, the list of possible matches will be quite short.

Great link for comparison! When I put in my specs desired, it came up with Panasonic(FZ's and Canon S3,S1) but none of these seem to have facial recognition-is that a brand new technology?

I've got several camera's with facial recognition; and I don't like it.

In most cases it is just too slow, for me most of the shots I take are those spur of the moment shots, and waiting 3 seconds for the camera to figure out what is a face and what isn't just wastes time.

It's a nice gimmick, but not something I'd use as a main factor in purchasing a camera.

Same thing with "in camera red eye reduction". I'd rather make those changes on my PC so I can be sure it is done right.

The Wall Street Journal had an article on this today: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117866381974196399.html?mod=mostpop


I just bought the Sony DSC-T100 highly recommended in the above article as well as CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_shot_DSC_T100_black/4505-6501_7-32331737-2.html?tag=prod.txt.3

I'll have to try some pictures tomorrow. In the meantime, it will take a bit of re-orientation from my Nikon Coolpix S1 since Sony seems to do things very differently.

I have two friends with the Lumix DMC-FX07 and they absolutely love the camera! Great photos, small and slim, very easy to use. One of our friends has a learning disability and she can use the camera by heself just fine--didn't even read the manual!

I'm getting Mrs. J this year's model (DMC-FX30) as she doesn't want to lug the big Nikon DSLR for simple family visits. She's something of a camera snob and since the Lumix is made with Leica lenses, well that sealed the deal.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0701/07013104panasonicfx30.asp

I have the Canon D600 and the Sony T10, both with underwater cases.

I also have the Canon TX1 camcorder.

All three are pocket sized. The Canon series of P&S get's more and better press than any other P&S. If I had to recommend a P&S I would say pick anything in the Canon lineup.

I love the Sony, but that's just me.

Unless you have a special need for a waterproof camera, I wouldn't pit that on the top of the comparison list. They will all take some spray/rain and continue to function.

The new Panasonic FX models are ok. We've got one at work and I was a little disappointed in its performance.

The Canon Elph/Ixy is also good. However, with the Canon's, its strong point is also its achilles heel. It has great manual control (compared to other super compact cameras) but is a bother if you want to change some settings on a "spur of the moment" shot.

I'm also looking at the new Sony W80/90. It has both the optical image stabilization and face recognition. I tried it out the other day with the facial recognition enabled and it took a shot quite quickly. Its similar to the T series but with a slightly larger lens. I also find the lens placement of the T series to be exactly where my finger goes. ;)

As for me, I prefer cameras that use proprietary batteries. I had ones that used AA's but kept sucking the life out of those quickly. Proprietaries are usually smaller and almost always last longer (more shots per charge). I always get a backup battery. But, they do cost more.

Im really in a quandry over this. I have a DSLR (Canon 20D and some good lenses for it) but am looking for something I can take on business trips as well as really have on my person almost all the time. I would even be willing to get two additional cameras (who am I kidding, I could rationalize two additional cameras) but I cant find any that really work for me. The features I want are:

small, preferably pocketable
RAW capable
optical viewfinder
7MP minimum

To the best of my knowledge not one camera fits those three things. The most recent Panasonic/Leica fit the bill except for the optical finder but they had a very mixed review at dpreview because of sensor noise. I would pop for the Canon SD900 or 700IS and/or A640/G7 in a heartbeat if they had RAW. But Im just not sure I want something without RAW. All of my shots since I started in digital have been in RAW and Im not sure how I would like not having that option. Any thoughts on the above points?

All of my shots since I started in digital have been in RAW and Im not sure how I would like not having that option.

That, I think, is the question.

Shortly after I acquired my first film SLR, I began shooting nothing but slides for the increased dynamic range.

Now I have boxes of slides I never look at, and several print albums that I do reference, from time to time.

Shortly after switching to digital, I began to shoot RAW. With RAW, everything has to be post processed. I haven't implemented a workflow that lets me process thousands of RAW images efficiently so the RAW shots mainly spin on the HD.

I then started shooting RAW+jpeg. I enjoyed the jpegs, but the RAW bits just spun.

Finally I stopped shooting RAW, except for those few instances where I really wanted the absolute best image I could capture, even if I never post-processed them I wanted to preserve the option.

Today most of what I shoot is fine jpeg, and I do look at those over and over. I can also save thousands of images on the CF media I have without carrying around a laptop or data recorder.

Answer that question and the decision becomes much easier - at least for the next year or so.

Another feature I consider essential is an optical viewfinder for situations when it is too bright to compose on the lcd monitor.

This is a *huge* point for me - a deal breaker. I had one with no viewfinder that was given to me by my dad after he decided he was too old for new technology and I was not sorry that I dropped it one too many times on its first major outing. It was a disaster in bright sun. The other thing I hated about that camera was the battery life & need for special recharger. Bleh.

I've got a little Canon Power Shot that I've been happy with - it has a proper viewfinder and the AA batteries are easily accessible, though I've been quite happy with the battery life anyway. I'm far from a brilliant photographer, but I think it has done as well as I can do with it and for someone who is a casual, traveling photographer, it has been good for that. And it is plenty small for larger pockets.

That, I think, is the question.

Shortly after I acquired my first film SLR, I began shooting nothing but slides for the increased dynamic range.

Now I have boxes of slides I never look at, and several print albums that I do reference, from time to time.

Shortly after switching to digital, I began to shoot RAW. With RAW, everything has to be post processed. I haven't implemented a workflow that lets me process thousands of RAW images efficiently so the RAW shots mainly spin on the HD.

I then started shooting RAW+jpeg. I enjoyed the jpegs, but the RAW bits just spun.

Finally I stopped shooting RAW, except for those few instances where I really wanted the absolute best image I could capture, even if I never post-processed them I wanted to preserve the option.

Today most of what I shoot is fine jpeg, and I do look at those over and over. I can also save thousands of images on the CF media I have without carrying around a laptop or data recorder.

Answer that question and the decision becomes much easier - at least for the next year or so.


Heh, you have no idea how compelling that argument is to someone who has 4000+ RAW images from 2005 and another 1000 or so from 2006 that I havent gotten around to processing yet. And my last set of a few hundred from this year havent even gotten of the cards yet :(

So then the question is simpler, since I want a pocketable camera and maybe a fixed lens larger camera, there are none of the really small ones with RAW. So the real small one seems like a good place to start and see if I like shooting JPEGs. So in the small cameras do people have a feeling for how important image stabilization is? In Canons it is 6, 7 or soon 8 MP with IS or 10 MP without IS. My inclination is to go for the megapixels (SD900). Any thoughts on that? Thanks.

The OP here. I have been following this thread silently and learning from the discussion. I am grateful to all responders. It is also nice to know that there are people at FT who care about other things besides "miles". :)

I still have some time before I must make a decision. My short list of must-have features includes:

Pocketable shape and size, even if the pocket must be large
True wide angle, decent zoom
Low sensor noise
Short shutter lag
Viewfinder
Image stabilizer

Now that's not too much to ask, is it? :)

Image Stabilization - I would put that as a must-have for any P&S I would buy at this point. The difference is one that you can really see, so unless you plan on hauling around a tripod on which to mount your pocket camera, I would go for less MP with IS. I'd recommend going to a store, shooting one with and without IS hand-held, and looking at the difference. You *will* see a difference in sharpness. On the other hand, the difference with higher MP is something you likely wont see unless you start cropping and/or enlarging.

Seems that the strategy for the consumer P&S is to put IS in their cameras because it's cheaper than improving the lenses! Can't blame them on this decision.

Oddly, an optical viewfinder is one that I've dropped from my list. It seems that modern LCD screens have largely taken care of glare from bright sunlight, and having the large screens helps a lot. Those viewfinders in the really small cameras are kind of useless anyway. My Canon SD800 IS has one, but I doubt I would ever use it, and I'd say 90% of my pictures with it are outdoors.

It seems that modern LCD screens have largely taken care of glare from bright sunlight, and having the large screens helps a lot...

What about shooting in low light conditions? I know there will be enough light with the flash, but I still have to compose the frame without flash, such that everyone is inside with their heads intact. :) Do modern LCD's help here?

Image Stabilization - I would put that as a must-have for any P&S I would buy at this point. The difference is one that you can really see, so unless you plan on hauling around a tripod on which to mount your pocket camera, I would go for less MP with IS. I'd recommend going to a store, shooting one with and without IS hand-held, and looking at the difference. You *will* see a difference in sharpness. On the other hand, the difference with higher MP is something you likely wont see unless you start cropping and/or enlarging.

Seems that the strategy for the consumer P&S is to put IS in their cameras because it's cheaper than improving the lenses! Can't blame them on this decision.

Oddly, an optical viewfinder is one that I've dropped from my list. It seems that modern LCD screens have largely taken care of glare from bright sunlight, and having the large screens helps a lot. Those viewfinders in the really small cameras are kind of useless anyway. My Canon SD800 IS has one, but I doubt I would ever use it, and I'd say 90% of my pictures with it are outdoors.

Im curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this. THe only time I have used an IS lens is with a Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L and that is a lot heavier, and longer (epecially when fully extended) than a point and shoot. With a 70-200 f4L for instance I dont notice much where I need IS nor with my old Canon G1. Im not really disagreeing but wondering if anyone else has any thoughts or more of an explanation of this. Thanks.

I'm convinced that the new Canon TX1 is the best pocket-sized still camera with high-quality video available with a flip-screen. If you're up for something larger, the Canon Powershot G7 is an excellent choice.

What do you all recommend for a p & s that has IS, at least 12x zoom and is good for low-light with no flash? I know it won't be a pocket camera but lightweight is somewhat important too.

I'm convinced that the new Canon TX1 is the best pocket-sized still camera with high-quality video available with a flip-screen.

What if someone doesn't care for video, but does care for wide angle, image quality and stabilization?

What if someone doesn't care for video, but does care for wide angle, image quality and stabilization?

Waiting for the answer for this one too. I really want it to be small too. I want to carry it while walking the dog or running.

lala

Waiting for the answer for this one too. I really want it to be small too. I want to carry it while walking the dog or running.

lala

Im waiting on the Canon SD850 IS, shipping next month for a pocketable camera. 8 MP, image stabilization, 4x zoom. It is the replacement for the very well reviewed SD700 IS which is only 6 MP. Im trying to decide whether to get a G7, which is larger and more fully featured in the interim.

Im waiting on the Canon SD850 IS, shipping next month for a pocketable camera. 8 MP, image stabilization, 4x zoom. It is the replacement for the very well reviewed SD700 IS which is only 6 MP. Im trying to decide whether to get a G7, which is larger and more fully featured in the interim.

G7 is too big. Silly, I know, but for what I need, it seems too big.

I guess I need to go to the camera store and start palming these things.

I looked at the SD800, does that sucketh?

The OP here. I have been following this thread silently and learning from the discussion. I am grateful to all responders. It is also nice to know that there are people at FT who care about other things besides "miles". :)

I still have some time before I must make a decision. My short list of must-have features includes:

Pocketable shape and size, even if the pocket must be large
True wide angle, decent zoom
Low sensor noise
Short shutter lag
Viewfinder
Image stabilizer

Now that's not too much to ask, is it? :)

Well.......... you're asking for rather a lot. Firstly, there is no such thing as a pocketable camera with low sensor noise though some do manage noise better than others. Fuji is best in breed in this respect. I suspect my original recommendation ticks most of the boxes. The Panasonic TZ3 has:

Pocketable shape and size.
28mm wide angle with a native 16:9 aspect ratio (but also supports more conventional aspect ratios).
Proper image stabilizer.

What do you lose with this? Well Panasonic's noise management has come in for some criticism for being heavy handed though opinions vary (and it's supposed to have improved in this model). Also, you don't get a view finder.

See:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz3/

And for exceptional noise handling (but little else of what you ask for):

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilmf31fd/

It all depends on what's most important to you but whatever decision you make will be a compromise.

I looked at the SD800, does that sucketh?

It actually looks quite nice (in fact, I wouldn't mind having one as it is very trouser pocketable). Obviously, you lose the photographic control you get with the G7.

THAT'S IT - the perfect camera for me..

Shockproof. Waterproof. Freezeproof. Crushproof.

In other words... Mary abuse proof...

Just in case you fall out of a bar? ;) :D

What if someone doesn't care for video, but does care for wide angle, image quality and stabilization?

I think the Panasonic's fit your bill, for the most part. The FX series really is nice, but a little inferior in quality to the Canon's. However, I think we're really splitting hairs for a casual photog.

What if someone doesn't care for video, but does care for wide angle, image quality and stabilization?

The zoom is 39 - 390 mm - not very wide angle.
It does have IS.

Review and screenshots here:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_tx1-review/

Lalala: you can do some screening at

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

However, in the end, nothing like seeing the controlled test results for image quality, and holding & handling it yourself for subjective things.

Yep, dpreview is the best of the best when it comes digital camera reviews. Amazon certainly thought so. One thing: It's very easy to get caught up in the intense detail of these reviews - don't forget to read the conclusion at the end of the review!

...there is no such thing as a pocketable camera with low sensor noise though some do manage noise better than others. Fuji is best in breed in this respect. I suspect my original recommendation ticks most of the boxes. The Panasonic TZ3 has...

Thanks.

I think the Panasonic's fit your bill, for the most part. The FX series really is nice...

I know those are just names on the lens, but I am attracted to Panasonic and Sony models that sport Leica and Zeiss lenses. Although, for sufficiently outstanding package, I could override this bias. :)

Where does FX fit in relation to the TZ mentioned above?

Thanks.



I know those are just names on the lens, but I am attracted to Panasonic and Sony models that sport Leica and Zeiss lenses. Although, for sufficiently outstanding package, I could override this bias. :)

Where does FX fit in relation to the TZ mentioned above?

I had a point and shot 35mm with a Leica lens and it was great. That said it really wasnt a Leica lens. It was designed by Leica and built by someone else. Price lenses for an M8 and I think you will realize that you arent getting one of those plus a camera for $500. Not that theyre bad, but I suspect they arent much if any better than Canon or Nikon and in fact given the latters much greater experience with these type lenses they may not be as good as the those of the high end Japanese companies.

G7 is too big. Silly, I know, but for what I need, it seems too big.

I guess I need to go to the camera store and start palming these things.

I looked at the SD800, does that sucketh?

Well, I ordered the G7 to replace my G1. It is probably a little to big for pocket carry but I decided that I am probably going to want an intermediate size camera with full manual controls for trips etc where I dont want to bring the whole DSLR and a pocketable camera as well that is even smaller. So I got the G7 now and will get the smaller one later.

Nothing wrong with the SD800 but they have announced the SD850 (last week) and I think I will wait on it since it seems to have a bit more.

Yes :D :D Or a boat, or a car ;)

I bought a Canon Powershot A710IS (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a710-review/) recently for travel. I specifically chose that model because it used AA batteries. I bring 4 NiMH AAs with a charger so I can avoid the need to buy expensive proprietary batteries when they fail while I'm on a trip. I've had that happen and it's just not fun.

It's not exactly a shirt-pocket sized camera but it is also more capable than a shirt-pocket sized camera with good optical + digital zoom, an optical viewfinder and plenty of automatic settings. I haven't gotten as far as fiddling with the manual settings but that's next.

I also purchased the Canon A710IS. (The IS stands for image stablization). I was a professional photographer a while back, now just a geeky ameteur. I have to tell you this camera rocks! The image quality is amazing, the IS part helps ensure that focus is exact. Best of all, the movie feature is great, with 30 frames per second. The movies on this rival my mini DVD camera, and are much more portable.

This model is very stingy with batteries, but having rechargable AA's are a good bet.

I got the Canon G7 this morning and am charging the battery. But in just looking at the camera my first response is WOW! The quality of the build seems astounding. Also, it is smaller than I thought and will likely fit in a pocket, although not one with much else in it. It is a lot smaller than my old G1. The styling is retro in a nice way. The lens is a 35-210mm equivalent and you can get both telephoto and wide angle lens adaptors. Im really looking to taking it on a trip next week. The only thing I dont like is that unlike previous G series cameras and the current A460, you cant rotate the LCD. I always kept it rotated on the G1, facing the body, to protect it from scratches. I need to get a cover, like on an Palm screen for the LCD. I got a leather case for in my bag but that wont fit in my pocket. I'll post again after I take some shots with it.

I got the Canon G7 this morning and am charging the battery. But in just looking at the camera my first response is WOW! The quality of the build seems astounding. Also, it is smaller than I thought and will likely fit in a pocket, although not one with much else in it. It is a lot smaller than my old G1. The styling is retro in a nice way. The lens is a 35-210mm equivalent and you can get both telephoto and wide angle lens adaptors. Im really looking to taking it on a trip next week. The only thing I dont like is that unlike previous G series cameras and the current A460, you cant rotate the LCD. I always kept it rotated on the G1, facing the body, to protect it from scratches. I need to get a cover, like on an Palm screen for the LCD. I got a leather case for in my bag but that wont fit in my pocket. I'll post again after I take some shots with it.

Please post and please add to flickr if you don't already have an account.

My dear friend, joanek is trying to convince me to buy this camera, but it is still quite dear.

The pictures I have seen have been great, but I could be convinced if I saw more.

Could you shoot a macro pic as well as some landscrapes and other things?

thanks,

lala

Please post and please add to flickr if you don't already have an account.

My dear friend, joanek is trying to convince me to buy this camera, but it is still quite dear.

The pictures I have seen have been great, but I could be convinced if I saw more.

Could you shoot a macro pic as well as some landscrapes and other things?

thanks,

lala

Will do. I will be out and about in Manhattan tomorrow and hope to do some shooting between and after my martial arts lesson and message (to repair the pain from the lesson which is of course, to improve my health? ;)). Also I am going to Montreal for a few days next week and want to test it out there.

By the way, Amazon has it for $465 with a $50 rebate if you get a printer at the same time and a free Kingston 2 GB card, whether or not you get the printer.

Where does FX fit in relation to the TZ mentioned above?

TZs refer to Panasonic's compact super zooms. FX are basic point and shoot cameras (albeit with a Leica lens :)).

TZs refer to Panasonic's compact super zooms. FX are basic point and shoot cameras (albeit with a Leica lens :)).

Would it be fair to say that of Panasonic non-slr's, LX is the top line, then TZ, then FX? I got this impression at DPreview.com . Or, is it not so straightforward? :)

Ar DPreview.com, is there any way to browse which cameras have received their highest recommendation?

THAT'S IT - the perfect camera for me..

Shockproof. Waterproof. Freezeproof. Crushproof.

In other words... Mary abuse proof...

Yep. I went for an Olympus Stylus model and it has served me well for casual use. Even for underwater ( snorkel ) photography! AND image
stablization. And fits in a shirt pocket.

But I gotta admit... for serious travel photography I lug around a Canon 20d
and a trio of lenses. That works great from -30F (Harbin China) to +130F (Luxor Egypt). Not so good underwater or bouncing up and down rock scrambles, however!

Yep. I went for an Olympus Stylus model and it has served me well for casual use. Even for underwater ( snorkel ) photography! AND image
stablization. And fits in a shirt pocket.

But I gotta admit... for serious travel photography I lug around a Canon 20d
and a trio of lenses. That works great from -30F (Harbin China) to +130F (Luxor Egypt). Not so good underwater or bouncing up and down rock scrambles, however!

Which model Olympus? Thanks.

Would it be fair to say that of Panasonic non-slr's, LX is the top line, then TZ, then FX? I got this impression at DPreview.com . Or, is it not so straightforward? :)

No, you should not assume an FX is somehow lower than a TZ. The TZ has
the advantage of long zoom whereas the FX has the advantage of not having such a long zoom :D.

Ar DPreview.com, is there any way to browse which cameras have received their highest recommendation?

The answer to that is probably no. As a general guideline, it is unusual of them to give "highly recommended" to a compact camera (especially if the camera lacks manual control). The important thing is to read what they say in the conclusions of each review you read.

Ar DPreview.com, is there any way to browse which cameras have received their highest recommendation?

I just figured this out myself. If you go the the side bar and click on reviews it has a list of recent reviews and at the bottom it says "More". Click on more and you get a page with a bunch of pictures of cameras, at the top there is a bar that lets you sort by several things, including recommendation.

I stand corrected. Cool.

I went to our local camera store this evening and tested all the cameras that I was interested and they had.

The G7 is way too big for me to pocket. Nice, but for the size, I might as well carry my d50.

I looked at the Canon SD800, the panasonic lumix, pentax optiobecause they are all in the same price range and size. I nixed the casion exelim (sp?) because my mom has it and I think its awful (I picked it out, oops :eek: ).

I'm leaning towards the canon because it has image stitching. Its more expensive, by 50 bucks at the local place, but I'm more apt to buy local than use amazon.

I just need to think....

lala

I went to our local camera store this evening and tested all the cameras that I was interested and they had.

The G7 is way too big for me to pocket. Nice, but for the size, I might as well carry my d50.

I looked at the Canon SD800, the panasonic lumix, pentax optiobecause they are all in the same price range and size. I nixed the casion exelim (sp?) because my mom has it and I think its awful (I picked it out, oops :eek: ).

I'm leaning towards the canon because it has image stitching. Its more expensive, by 50 bucks at the local place, but I'm more apt to buy local than use amazon.

I just need to think....

lala


I agree that the G7 is a little big to carry, but it does fit in my pants pocket. Im pretty interested in getting something smaller in the near future that would be more easily carried in the pocket like one of the SD series from Canon. But I do think that the G7 isnt all THAT big though. It is an LOT smaller than my 20D with a 17-40 f/4L. In fact it is about 25% of the size of the lens alone ;)

My logic really was to have a DSLR, then something for in my briefcase when I didnt want to carry the DSLR like on business trips but was still pretty capable, ie manual capability, hence the G7 and then a real small one for in my pocket wherever I am. So with that logic (be that as it may) the G7 fits a nice niche for me. Im going to give the G7 a workout the weekend of the 25 during a MR to LHR as well as around here this weekend (if it stops raining) and in Montreal this week and will post some pictures.

Let us know what you decide on!

I am getting in late on this one. I have been an avid photographer for 35 years so I wanted to throw my 2 cents in. I just went digital SLR with a D80 to replace my F100 but find that I'm always keeping my wife's waterproof Pentax with me. I have been pleased with the underwater video and have great pics in environments from India to Peru to Hawaii. It's so small and light I often forget I am carrying it in my cargo pants pocket. The older model we have is only 6mp, but the new one at http://www.h2ocamera.com/camera/w30 has 7.1mp and many other improvements, including face recognition and anti-shake. I am likely to upgrade to this one. Olympus also offers a waterproof camera which I saw at BestBuy around Thanksgiving. Since new models come out every 8 months or so, I would do a round of checking the latest models before buying.

-outoftown

I just figured this out myself. If you go the the side bar and click on reviews it has a list of recent reviews and at the bottom it says "More". Click on more and you get a page with a bunch of pictures of cameras, at the top there is a bar that lets you sort by several things, including recommendation.

Thanks. That is most helpful.

I also have been searching on flickr by camera and then searching by keywords - macro, landscapes and then places to see what i might be able to do...

There are some pretty freaking good photographers out there.

lala

Here is one.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/506347276_90d2ce2bdb_b.jpg

And yes, I know that they are high resolution and read the thread on theft but I thought it was worth it to let people see what these few look like at full resolution since we are discussing the camera.

More are found here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/97883009@N00/) The G7 photos are in the photoset called "Walking New York I".

Another photo:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/506361601_287ac7d425_b.jpg

Thank you for the pics and your flickr pages. I am about to run to camera store and put down some cash dollar (okay SPG Amex with 40% more points).

lala

Im curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this. THe only time I have used an IS lens is with a Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L and that is a lot heavier, and longer (epecially when fully extended) than a point and shoot. With a 70-200 f4L for instance I dont notice much where I need IS nor with my old Canon G1. Im not really disagreeing but wondering if anyone else has any thoughts or more of an explanation of this. Thanks.

My experience is totally in the opposite of yours. I switched to the Canon D30 in 2000 and never looked back. To compensating for the lighter wallet and heavier lens, I beefed up my biceps and triceps so that I can last a 12 hours shooting spree without shaking. Although I have to admit that I used the IS religiously whenever possible. Until early last year when I decided to switch to a P&S due to the lack of conviction in carrying 15kg of gears. I immediately have so much respects for the people who uses these P&S and getting those superb shots. I was so frustrated because I could not take a decent shot at all with my P&S. Most of my pictures comes out blurry so now I make IS to be the top of item in my list for a P&S.

High resolution is currently not at the top of my list, I just want a good solid IS choice. I think I like the Canon SD700. Also looking at the A710 IS as a possible candidate. I will miss the RAW capability though.

My experience with IS has been very positive. Take the following photo (hardly my best):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/478755309_c93792498b.jpg

It's a hand held photo and given the relative lack of available light, I had to open the aperture as wide as possible (leaving metering and shutter speed to the camera) and up the ISO a little (from 100 to 200).

Without IS, under similar lighting/aperture I typically find I need to up the ISO to 400 or even 800 which on most pocket cameras (with the exception of the Fujis) is a none starter if you ultimately want larger prints. I'm sure some IS systems are better than others but it generally works quite well.

Im waiting on the Canon SD850 IS, shipping next month for a pocketable camera. 8 MP, image stabilization, 4x zoom. It is the replacement for the very well reviewed SD700 IS which is only 6 MP. Im trying to decide whether to get a G7, which is larger and more fully featured in the interim.My wife is very happy with the SD700. Only 6 MP is not a problem and could have better image quality than a higher MP camera due to less noise. See the discussions of the SD700 and SD850 on dpreview.com. I'm very happy with the G7. Do you want manual controls and a longer zoom? If so, get the G7. If not, get the SD700.

My wife is very happy with the SD700. Only 6 MP is not a problem and could have better image quality than a higher MP camera due to less noise. See the discussions of the SD700 and SD850 on dpreview.com. I'm very happy with the G7. Do you want manual controls and a longer zoom? If so, get the G7. If not, get the SD700.

Thanks, I did get the G7 and after one day am completely delighted with it. I may get something smaller as well and am tending to think I will wait until the SD850 IS comes out and drops from its release price. The G7 as well as the 20D will keep me amused for a while.

Thanks, I did get the G7 and after one day am completely delighted with it. I may get something smaller as well and am tending to think I will wait until the SD850 IS comes out and drops from its release price. The G7 as well as the 20D will keep me amused for a while.

I bought the sd800IS yesterday from a local store. I am about to take ernest the puppy to the farmer's market. I'll post pictures to flickr tonight.

GF, next time you are bored with your toys, call me...

lala

My experience with IS has been very positive. Take the following photo (hardly my best):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/478755309_c93792498b.jpg

It's a hand held photo and given the relative lack of available light, I had to open the aperture as wide as possible (leaving metering and shutter speed to the camera) and up the ISO a little (from 100 to 200).

Without IS, under similar lighting/aperture I typically find I need to up the ISO to 400 or even 800 which on most pocket cameras (with the exception of the Fujis) is a none starter if you ultimately want larger prints. I'm sure some IS systems are better than others but it generally works quite well.

Cool. Which camera is that?

Panasonic Lumix DMC LX2. It's one of the few cameras out there that's remotely comparable to the G7 (which has the edge on image quality IMO).

My new camera test shots are up on flickr.

flora and flying's sd800IS set. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88153032@N00/sets/72157600236131865/)

Sort of a bad day for photo shooting, but I took lots of pics.

I still love my d50.

I have an Canon SD630 with a 2gb SDx60 card w/ one extra battery. Fits in a very small case, and can stick the camera in my pocket when needed.

I had an SD400 but something got on the inside lens (or cracked something) and when I zoomed I would get a black spot on the bottom on the pics. $120 to fix, $230 for the SD630 at Sams Club.

I love the photos the Canon's take.

Our search so far...

Costco has the Canon SD800 for a pretty good price of $269 down from $319. It does not have IS.

They also have the SD900 for $359, but again, according to the website, no IS.

We're waiting to see if the price of the SD 850 goes down. Right now, there are few places that even have it - B&H photo being one - and that's at list price. What's funny is that circuit city has it on sale for $350, yet you can't order it online because it's not in stock nor is it in any of the stores in my area.

The G7 looks very very nice, but it may be more than what we're looking for, plus it's pricey.

We gave up even considering the Olympus after reading all the raves about the Canons.

I just posted another 80 or 90 G7 pictures on Flickr. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/97883009@N00/sets/72157600254651489/)

These are from Montreal and the site of Expo 67. I also tried some things, exposure compensation and the like and some worked, some didnt.

Here is an example from the set.http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/511426872_f20ff3a1c4.jpg

My new camera test shots are up on flickr.

flora and flying's sd800IS set. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88153032@N00/sets/72157600236131865/)

Sort of a bad day for photo shooting, but I took lots of pics.

I still love my d50.
West Seattle farmers market?

My new camera test shots are up on flickr.

flora and flying's sd800IS set. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88153032@N00/sets/72157600236131865/)

Sort of a bad day for photo shooting, but I took lots of pics.

I still love my d50.

There are some very interesting still life type pictures there and the color is very nice on that camera. Thanks for posting those.

I bought a Canon Powershot A710IS (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a710-review/) recently for travel. I specifically chose that model because it used AA batteries. I bring 4 NiMH AAs with a charger so I can avoid the need to buy expensive proprietary batteries when they fail while I'm on a trip. I've had that happen and it's just not fun.

It's not exactly a shirt-pocket sized camera but it is also more capable than a shirt-pocket sized camera with good optical + digital zoom, an optical viewfinder and plenty of automatic settings. I haven't gotten as far as fiddling with the manual settings but that's next.

I have a canon for exactly the same reasons but I bought lithium ion batteries rather than carrying a charger. 4 months and over 500 pictures later my LiIon is still showing no signs of failing. But if they do, I can still just buy two alkaline AA batteries. I carry two spare LiIon batteries.

West Seattle farmers market?

Good job, just don't park in the Wells Fargo lot, I got a ticket. :mad: :mad: :mad:

There are some very interesting still life type pictures there and the color is very nice on that camera. Thanks for posting those.

Gracias. I should be taking more pictures, but it is too bright!

I'll try tonight at the garden. I don't do alot of action shots, but maybe I'll go take it downtown this weekend, the tourists should all be on their way to Alaska.

Recently lost my Canon 800 IS - which I loved for it's image quality and compact size and had to replace it.

Went out to get another of the same, but also saw the brand new Coolpix S50, which was $50 cheaper and had a better menu structure. Downside to this thing was that the widest angle on it was 38 (to 114) whereas my lost Canon was 28-105. However, I liked the bigger screen and menu structure on the Coolpix (the intuitive wheel makes viewing pictures a lot easier).

At first, I had buyers remorse and thought I should have bought another 800IS as planned, but after using the s50 for a few days now, I'm very happy with it - use is much more intuitive, and it is slightly smaller and lighter than the 800 IS. Picture quality seems to be about the same, but since I bought both for taking casual snapshots, I haven't really put either to any rigorous testing. My priority with this purchase was to get something supercompact for portability and as a backup, rather than to have as a primary camera.

I had finally decided on the new Canon IS 850, which was supposed to be available this week, and discovered it's not available anywhere yet and won't be for a few weeks. I wanted to take it on a trip at the end of the month.

Oh well... I'll take a look at that coolpix. Thanks.

I had finally decided on the new Canon IS 850, which was supposed to be available this week, and discovered it's not available anywhere yet and won't be for a few weeks. I wanted to take it on a trip at the end of the month.

Oh well... I'll take a look at that coolpix. Thanks.

Wait ;)

I suspect I will. :) I was considering the G7 but decided it's a bit larger than I wanted.

Sigh... I have a feeling I'm either going to end up paying list :eek: :eek: or going on vacation camera-less :)

Gah. So many choices.

I think I've narrowed it down to a few choices based on the following criteria.

* Optical viewfinder (for taking pictures while skiing or playing in the snow)
* Image stabilization
* 4x optical zoom or better

These choices are...

* Canon S3 IS
* Canon PowerShot A710 IS
* Canon SD850 IS

If someone can convince me that an optical viewfinder is not necessary for very bright outdoor shots, then I would also consider...

* Fuji Coolpix F40fd
* Panasonic TZ-series

The other underlying factor is that, while I'm a technophile, Mrs. Swede is very much a technophobe. Basically, I need a camera where she can press one button to turn it on, snap a few pics, and the pictures come out nice. Portability is also a factor. I really like the S3 for the 12x optical zoom, but I think the bulkiness and complexity (?) may be a no-sale to Mrs. Swede.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the A710 because Circuit City has a pretty sweet package (http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=0&t=532373&u2=http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-A710-IS-Digital-Camera-and-CP730-Photo-Printer-Bundle/sem/rpsm/oid/179409/catOid/-16941/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) that includes a photo printer for about $270+tax (after AAA coupon).

Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Gah. So many choices.

I think I've narrowed it down to a few choices based on the following criteria.

* Optical viewfinder (for taking pictures while skiing or playing in the snow)
* Image stabilization
* 4x optical zoom or better

These choices are...

* Canon S3 IS
* Canon PowerShot A710 IS
* Canon SD850 IS

If someone can convince me that an optical viewfinder is not necessary for very bright outdoor shots, then I would also consider...

* Fuji Coolpix F40fd
* Panasonic TZ-series

The other underlying factor is that, while I'm a technophile, Mrs. Swede is very much a technophobe. Basically, I need a camera where she can press one button to turn it on, snap a few pics, and the pictures come out nice. Portability is also a factor. I really like the S3 for the 12x optical zoom, but I think the bulkiness and complexity (?) may be a no-sale to Mrs. Swede.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the A710 because Circuit City has a pretty sweet package (http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=0&t=532373&u2=http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-A710-IS-Digital-Camera-and-CP730-Photo-Printer-Bundle/sem/rpsm/oid/179409/catOid/-16941/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) that includes a photo printer for about $270+tax (after AAA coupon).

Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.


Just to be sure, you don't need the wide angle lens that the SD 800 IS had and the SD 850 IS does not, correct? I recently bought an '800' just because of this.

Just to be sure, you don't need the wide angle lens that the SD 800 IS had and the SD 850 IS does not, correct? I recently bought an '800' just because of this.

It would be nice to have it, but not absolutely necessary. I'm wary of the SD800IS because reviews have said the picture quality is much worse compared to the SD700IS. Is that true?

It would be nice to have it, but not absolutely necessary. I'm wary of the SD800IS because reviews have said the picture quality is much worse compared to the SD700IS. Is that true?

Well, before I lost mine (I suppose there is a downside to the supercompact, small size) I thought it took excellent out-of-camera pictures, and I was very pleased with it. I am aware of the reviews on dpreview that image quality isn't as good as the 700IS, saying that this is the price for the extended focal range. Personally, I never noticed this downside.

I'll also say that I'm just a rank amateur photographer. Basically, the purpose of having a camera is to take spur-of-the-moment pictures of Baby Swede (and upcoming child #2). Basically, I need a camera that can take 2-3 decent-quality pictures as soon as I turn the camera on. My budget is $300-400, along with the requirements listed previously.

My need for a better zoom is because if I have to get too close to Baby Swede to take close-up pictures, she'll immediately stop whatever cute thing she's doing, run up to me, and ask to see the picture I was about to take. :D

I currently have the Canon S70 Powershot, but am very unhappy with it's ability to take pictures in lower light areas or evening shots. (I do adjust manually-- but the pics come out blurry or still very dark). I had seen a review of the Fuji Finepix F50, and went to a camera store to buy one, but the owner told me the S70 would give better results, and was surprised when I told him that was the camera I was looking to replace. I'm now thinking about the new Panasonic Lumix FS100-- but it isn't out yet, so not sure about 'real' reviews on that one. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be grateful.
PS-- I am not tech, or camera savy and want something fairly easy ;)

I've narrowed it down to a few choices based on the following criteria.

* Optical viewfinder (for taking pictures while skiing or playing in the snow)
* Image stabilization
* 4x optical zoom or better


This is more or less my wishlist too, except perhaps that I'd like a true wideangle (28) capability included.

I would also like to know from those members who have an optical viewfinder: how useful do you find it in practice, eg, during very bright or dark conditions?

The other underlying factor is that, while I'm a technophile, Mrs. Swede is very much a technophobe. Basically, I need a camera where she can press one button to turn it on, snap a few pics, and the pictures come out nice. Portability is also a factor. I really like the S3 for the 12x optical zoom, but I think the bulkiness and complexity may be a no-sale to Mrs. Swede.

Frankly, this is just the situation that calls for a two camera solution. Then each can get exactly what he/she likes. (Otherwise, you'd have a compromise that each would resent for years and blame the other for! You'd feel a pinch everytime you see a guy with a geeky camera with lots of dials, she everytime she spots someone with a cute PS in some nice color!)

Now I do have buyers remorse after picking up the Nikon Coolpix S50.

Was out and about today and see that Sony has a number of very nifty little accessories for their compact point and shoots.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=16164&SR=nav:electronics:cameras_camcorders:digitalcamer as:acc:ss&ref=http%3A//www.sony.com/index.php

Very interesting to me are the GPS device, the ring and slave flash units and various filters. Yeah, I know, if you go that far, you may as well bring along your SLR, but the GPS unit and software is still kinda cool...

This is more or less my wishlist too, except perhaps that I'd like a true wideangle (28) capability included.

I would also like to know from those members who have an optical viewfinder: how useful do you find it in practice, eg, during very bright or dark conditions?



Frankly, this is just the situation that calls for a two camera solution. Then each can get exactly what he/she likes. (Otherwise, you'd have a compromise that each would resent for years and blame the other for! You'd feel a pinch everytime you see a guy with a geeky camera with lots of dials, she everytime she spots someone with a cute PS in some nice color!)

I almost always use the optical viewfinder on point and shoots, no matter what the light. Habit I suppose in part but I just find it faster and easier to hold the camera that way. My DSLR doesnt even let you see the shot on the display until after it is taken so that is obviously all through the optical finder as well.

I currently have the Canon S70 Powershot, but am very unhappy with it's ability to take pictures in lower light areas or evening shots. (I do adjust manually-- but the pics come out blurry or still very dark). I had seen a review of the Fuji Finepix F50, and went to a camera store to buy one, but the owner told me the S70 would give better results, and was surprised when I told him that was the camera I was looking to replace. I'm now thinking about the new Panasonic Lumix FS100-- but it isn't out yet, so not sure about 'real' reviews on that one. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be grateful.
PS-- I am not tech, or camera savy and want something fairly easy ;)

From reading the reviews at dpreview.com the Fujis excel, probably more than any other brand, at low light conditions. On the other hand, in most other situations, the Canons probably get better marks overall. So it depends on how much you shoot low light versus more normal light I suppose.

Every time I check on Amazon, the price of the Fuji F30 is a little lower and I find myself a little more tempted. It lacks IS which is a shame as that would made it a killer camera (IS plus usable ISO 800).

Im waiting for film for my Minox EC! ;)

Really small and good ISO 400 ^ :cool:

Every time I check on Amazon, the price of the Fuji F30 is a little lower and I find myself a little more tempted. It lacks IS which is a shame as that would made it a killer camera (IS plus usable ISO 800).

This is an area of course where a DSLR really stands apart from the point and shoots. I shot a number of shots at ASA1600 and I think even ASA3200 on my EOS20D. They clearly are not like at ASA100 but they are good given the fact that I was shooting animals at night in a spotlight. Using RAW helped recover a lot from them as well, another thing missing from most point and shoots.

I decided to go for the Canon PowerShot A710 IS with the CP730 printer deal I posted last week. Got it for $251+tax after applying two coupons.

After showing the potential choices to Mrs. Swede, and understanding what I was looking for, she thought the A710 was probably the best choice, especially in the portability area. It's only slightly larger than the SD-series, and not as bulky as the S3.

I've taken about 50 pictures with it so far, and they have turned out great.

I got my Canon SD 850 yesterday... and it wasn't easy. Most online stores sold out of them as soon as they came in. B&H was out. My husband walked over to Adorama and was able to get it - for list price (boy did that kill me).

I haven't played with it too much, but so far, in my limited experience with non-film cameras - boy is this thing little and boy does it pack alot into that little body.

It is tiny and appears to have lots of cool features that I have to figure out how to use. I'm probably going to use idiot mode most of the time, but it will be nice to see how pictures come out when I switch to manual mode for indoors, outdoors, and fireworks (plus a host of others).

What surprised me are the editing features in the camera and the ability to put stuff in folders. I don't know if I'm going to get that fancy :)

The darn thing also makes chirps, barks and howls whenever I do something. I'm going to have to turn those settings off.

It has face recognition and did not seem to slow down when looking for a face :)

I purchased a 4 gig memory card and I can take 1850 pictures on it :eek: :eek:

I'll keep you posted when I actually take some pictures worth talking about - my husband in the kitchen and sitting on the couch don't count :)

I think I'll hit the purchase button on a Canon S3 today for $255 all in. I was debating on whether or not to wait for S5 prices to drop, but I don't know if my (travel) needs warrant the newer model. I did the side-by-side on dpreview.

Anyone using an S5?

I currently have the S400 and smashed the LCD two Decembers ago. With an A/V cable, I've been making-do. The flip 'n' twist LCD is a must this time around. :o The other priority is the 12x zoom. EDIT: Another must is IS unfortunately.

Is no RAW a drawback? (Sorry, I wiki'd and still can't make heads or tails of this techie stuff.)

(Sorry if any or all of this has been discussed, but the two-character S3 and S5 as you know aren't search possible. ess3 ess5 )

I think I'll hit the purchase button on a Canon S3 today for $255 all in.

Well, while I was mulling things over, one of the promo codes "expired", so I hit it at $265 before anything else fell through. :(

Would still like to hear any comments though. TIA

Hi FourWheels,

I just got a new S3 myself last week ($289, so you are still doing well)! Am still figuring everything out, but it is pretty intuitive and so far I am liking it a lot. IS was an imperative for me too ;), and was the main reason for deserting my Olympus SP500 (that plus the 500's really slooowwwww and erratic focusing). I did a lot of research, and the S3 seemed to end up with the most positive comments and user loyalty.

Can't answer your question regarding RAW, since I have never used it myself.

We are off to Quebec City this Saturday for a few days - vacation, no less!!! - and I will be able to provide more comments (and, hopefully, pictures) after we get back.

Have fun with your new camera!

Jassy, knowing you did research and now own one gives me reassurance. :) Thanks. Have fun. I look forward to your pics.

I have a Fuji Fine Pix S 6500 fd / S 6000 fd (modell type is different for some countries) with 6.3 Mio and 10.7 Zoom.

My impression at the first two weeks was not the best, but after trying and testing I got used to it. Though still not all photos are the best, I now manage to get used how the camera works. Some shooting over new year in Switzerland and during several trips and the photos became better and better. It is not a camera for a short click. You need to adjust the Programm mode carefully or use the manual mode. This it to me the big advantage, I could decide if I stick to the programms or use the manual mode. So looking back to the first two weeks, the weak point was not the camera but the photograph :D

Having used non digital SLR in the past and a digital camera this in-beetween safes me from taking both cameras on my trips. But camera is definitively not a pocket camera, it's more (and looks) like a SLR.

Used dpreview et alii for tests

I bought a Panasonic TZ3 in Ireland this month. (buying it at Best Buy BEFORE I left home would have made way too much sense. I paid roughly $200 more and have a Europe only plug on the charger). So far its great. 7+mp, 10x optical zoom, big bright lcd....however NO VIEWFINDER!

I got my Canon SD 850 yesterday... and it wasn't easy. Most online stores sold out of them as soon as they came in. B&H was out. My husband walked over to Adorama and was able to get it - for list price (boy did that kill me).

I haven't played with it too much, but so far, in my limited experience with non-film cameras - boy is this thing little and boy does it pack alot into that little body.

It is tiny and appears to have lots of cool features that I have to figure out how to use. I'm probably going to use idiot mode most of the time, but it will be nice to see how pictures come out when I switch to manual mode for indoors, outdoors, and fireworks (plus a host of others).

What surprised me are the editing features in the camera and the ability to put stuff in folders. I don't know if I'm going to get that fancy :)

The darn thing also makes chirps, barks and howls whenever I do something. I'm going to have to turn those settings off.

It has face recognition and did not seem to slow down when looking for a face :)

I purchased a 4 gig memory card and I can take 1850 pictures on it :eek: :eek:

I'll keep you posted when I actually take some pictures worth talking about - my husband in the kitchen and sitting on the couch don't count :)
Hey Mary! Care to offer up an opinion on this device? I am looking at this one or its little brother.

Here's a thread I started about it.

http://web4.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=711002

There's also a link to a few shots I posted.

It suited my purposes just fine.

I now use my Casio Exilim EX-Z50 for almost everything. I reluctantly moved away from SLR. Now my Minolta SLR collection of cameras is sadly collecting dust :(

M8

Here is a great example of when it wasnt only handy but necessary.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97883009@N00/1189202705/in/set-72157601576333080/

The sun was so bright that I couldnt see the LCD at all. I have a lot of shots in this series like this. I was either shooting into the sun or with it behind me, either way the viewfinder was the only way to go as the LCD was effectively useless. Camera is a Canon G7 by the way.